Gene Robinson appeared on the Today show and spoke briefly with Matt Lauer about misinterpretations of the Bible and homosexuality, his disinvitation from the Lambeth conference and his plans to attend, the rift in the church, his plans to enter into a civil union, and the difficult time he had his partner and their two daughters (pictured) have gone through. Said Robinson about why he wears a bulletproof vest: "When you try to love the world the way that God loves the world, you're going to get into trouble." Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP... ...

Openly gay Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson was on "Today" this morning, putting a human face on just how threatened a gay person can feel if they dare to take a righteous stand for their life and love. Check it out: Wow, a bulletproof vest? That must've been to protect him from his fellow "militant" gays, right? [::writer rolls eyes at the flawed yet widely accepted idea that it is the pro-equality side who is filled with hostility::] Despite death threats, gay bishop plans civil union ...

He wore a bulletproof vest under his vestments for his consecration. He loves the Bible and considers scriptures to be holy and inspired - but not inerrant. Next month, he says, he is looking forward to becoming a "June bride." These are among the insights shared by Bishop V. Gene Robinson in his new book, In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God (Seabury Books, $22). The title is fitting for the man whose June, 2003, election and consecration as the first openly gay and noncelibate bishop in the Episcopal Church sparked a worldwide uproar ...